New Colorado flooding evacuations: Town of Crook, some residents north of CO 138 in river basin

CROOK, Colo. - The Town of Crook was ordered to evacuate early Tuesday morning because of the possibility of flooding.

Crook is about halfway between Sterling and Julesburg, just north of Interstate 76.

"The Town of Crook and residents along the north side of CO138 along the area river basin are being evacuated due to historic high levels of water in the Harmony Ditch close to Crook," the Logan County Office of Emergency Management wrote in a post on Facebook.

"If the ditch breeches its banks it will substantially flood the town," officials warn.

Crook Fire Department personnel went door to door with the evacuation message and a reverse target notification was also sent, according to officials.

The previous evacuation along the river basin south of CO 138 remains in effect.

Logan County officials said evacuation routes are still being determined. Due to road closures on CO 138 evacuees will have to use county roads north of CO 138.

"It appears the river is rising in the Crook area. River levels are being monitored by Crook Fire," officials said Tuesday morning.

The Town of Crook posted on Facebook, "Crook Firemen and local farmers are continuing to work through the night to try to keep Harmony Ditch from breaching north of the town of Crook. We all appreciate their hard work. Stay safe neighbors."

A shelter will be in place at Caliche School if necessary. If you have further questions, contact 970-886-2100.

Officials said portable bathrooms have been placed in the following locations for the public to use: